At this point, some new users can easily feel rattled, but don't
panic. Instead, think back: When you installed Red Hat Linux 6.0, you were
asked for a root password.

Figure 3: A sample screen of the graphical login
prompt

In detail, that is the password you were asked to choose to log in to your
root account. When you log in -- either in the root account or other
accounts -- you're introducing yourself to the system. The root account,
unlike all other accounts for your system, has access to everything. Also
known as the superuser, the root account can control everything
the system does.

There's plenty of space to fill up, not just on your current desktop but on
numerous desktops -- four by default.

Tip: To learn specifics about GNOME, including applications
and navigation, turn to the GNOME User's Guide section of this manual.

But for now, let's just concentrate on your current desktop.

Go ahead and look around. You can begin by double-clicking with the left
mouse button on the file folder called Home Directory on the desktop.

Here, you'll find icons representing the various directories and files on
your system.

From the panel on the bottom, left-click once with your mouse, and you can
begin to investigate some of the applications which have been included with
your environment.

From here, you can find ways to customize your workspace, search for files,
write letters or other documents, start spreadsheets and more.

But before you get too daring...

While you're logged into the root account, avoid the temptation to make any
changes to files or directories unless you know exactly what you're doing!

Here's why: Whenever the system recognizes you as the root account you're
allowed to do just about anything: change configuration files, make new
directories, create and manage accounts for users who are allowed to use
your computer and more.

That kind of power comes with a price, and tinkering around with
configuration files, accounts and directories can easily lead to disaster.

So how are you supposed to operate safely?

By creating a user account, which we'll cover shortly. With a user account,
you can work and play with the assurance that you're not damaging your
system.